The Best Summer Bachelor Party Destinations

Bachelor party destinations like Miami and Las Vegas get a lot of traffic during the summer months. While those cities might have many bachelor-friendly attractions, most parties overpay for cramped Airbnbs, drinks and Ubers. 

Instead of breaking the bank at one of those pricey locations this summer, you should focus on more wallet-friendly options. These places have similar attractions without the extra baggage, like club fees and unsafe streets. So here they are: the best bang-for-your-buck summer bachelor party destinations.

1. Austin, Texas

Austin has arguably overtaken Dallas, Houston and other Texas cities as the best travel destination for younger people. It has long been a popular art and music center, but the nightlife has finally started to catch up. Parts of town like Sixth Street and Rainey Street have the widest array of bars and restaurants, including some top-notch breweries and barbeque joints. 

For lodging, Austin is home to many unique hotels like the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. More Airbnbs and other vacation rentals pop up every year, so you’ll have no issue finding a spot in your preferred area. 

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

For whatever reason, Hawaii gets left off the “best bachelor party destinations” lists year after year. The long flight might be a hassle, but you don’t have to worry about passports and unfamiliar cultural norms like in other tropical island destinations. Honolulu is a unique culture combination that welcomes all visitors with open arms.

Waikiki, Kuhio Beach and other waterfront neighborhoods have more than enough action for your bachelor party. The hula shows, cocktail parties and surfing competitions only scratch the surface. You’ll also find a vibrant nightlife – like Miami, but smaller – and can visit one of the neighboring islands just a quick ferry ride away.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is one of America’s trending cities, both for travelers and permanent residents. It’s easy to see why, as the music, breweries and notoriously amazing barbeque scene give this city a 100% unique atmosphere. Seemingly every corner has live music, a bar or both. You could walk the streets for days and never visit the same place twice. Just make sure you know your beers before you start bar crawling, because you’ll encounter many varieties.

Airbnb prices tend to be steep because of Nashville’s current popularity, so you might be better off staying at a hotel. The recently-opened Vandyke Bed and Beverage consists of eight suites, each featuring a different spirit. Other hotels have a similar “drink until you pass out” theme that we think your party will enjoy.

4. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is known as the Holy City for its many churches and cemeteries, but don’t let that title dissuade you. There are many bachelor-friendly activities in this old Southern city, including rank upon rank of charming bars and restaurants that line the cobblestone streets. Instead of getting an Uber, you can take a horsedrawn carriage into town.

Beyond the city limits, the coastline has many inlets, islands and small beaches for you to explore. Just don’t wander onto any private beaches (or make sure no one sees you). Even with all the attractions, lodging is Charleston’s greatest strength. The city has many antebellum-themed hotels and a wide variety of vacation rentals.

5. Pebble Beach, California

California has many small towns that would make great bachelor party destinations, but we chose Pebble Beach because of its uniquely bachelor-oriented attractions. It has the best public golf scene in the country, five-star bars and restaurants, public beaches, and yes, women. SoCal is full of them.

The lodging is also a bachelor party’s dream. The coastal vacation rentals are spacious but affordable (at least by California’s standards), and the hotel rooms are more like cottages. Fairway One at the Lodge, for example, has four bedrooms, a living room and an outdoor terrace for just one group.

6. Bend, Oregon

Bend is a town hiding under the shadows of the Cascade Mountains with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities for your party. You can go hiking, horseback riding or take a boat trip down the Deschutes River.  The fishing is also exceptional in the riverbend that encircles the town – hence the name “Bend.” The water is slow and scenic, with many riverfront parks and restaurants.

Bend doesn’t have a large downtown, but the nightlife is always alive and well during the summer. Attractions like the Cascade Adult Pool are more than happy to accept out-of-towners in the warmer months, as you might expect. At the end of the day, you can sleep at unique lodgings like the Brasada Ranch and other rustic rentals. 

7. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the country during the summer, and Grand Rapids is becoming one of the main attractions. It has long held a reputation as a beer town, as over 40 breweries line the streets. It also sits in a convenient location next to Lake Michigan and the Grand River. You can visit the many freshwater beaches, rent a boat or cast some lines. 

Grand Rapids has a healthy supply of shoreside vacation rentals, but they fill up quickly during the summer as many people have summer homes in the area. You might be better off staying at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, which sits just blocks from the best breweries in town and has a waterfront view.

Choose The Right City, Not the Popular City

Miami, Las Vegas and New York City might be more popular bachelor party destinations, but they’re also horribly expensive and busy. On the other hand, these cities are affordable and have more than enough action for your bachelor party. They check all the major boxes: outdoor activities, nightlife and lodging. Choose the right city, not the popular city.